Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 88, marking the end of a legacy steeped in legal excellence, reform, and principled service. His family officially confirmed the news, stating: “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihir Rajiun,” and expressed gratitude to Allah while announcing his passing. His funeral was scheduled to take place later that same day, in accordance with Islamic customs, following the Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja.

Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Uwais was widely acknowledged as a pillar of judicial independence in Nigeria. His legal career began in 1963 when he was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in London. He subsequently served as a State Counsel in Northern Nigeria, and his keen intellect and dedication earned him successive promotions, eventually leading to his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1979.

Uwais served as Chief Justice from 1995 to 2006, a period during which he championed judicial reform and the autonomy of the judiciary. Even after retirement, his expertise continued to shape national discourse. In 2007, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua appointed him to chair the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee. His leadership of that committee resulted in the highly regarded “Uwais Report,” which advocated for sweeping electoral reforms—including the establishment of an Independent Electoral Offences Commission and changes to how the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is appointed.

Justice Uwais was celebrated not just for his legal brilliance but also for his humility and unwavering integrity. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s judiciary and democratic structures. He is survived by his wife, Maryam Uwais, a respected lawyer and human rights advocate who served as a Special Adviser under former President Muhammadu Buhari.